Keep Your Thanksgiving Safe with Tips from Solon Fire

SOLON, OH - Turkey Day is Thursday and while your mind might already be on loosening the belt and enjoying that extra helping of mashed potatoes, you should also make sure you're not burning your house down.

The Solon Fire Department said Thanksgiving is the peak of American home fires, with the number of blazes doubling on that Thursday. So they asked that you keep these safety tips in mind on your holiday.

If you are roasting your turkey, make sure you set a timer. This way, you won’t forget about the bird as you watch the parade or football.

If you are frying your turkey,

• Use a fryer with thermostat controls. This will ensure the oil does not become over heated.
• Thaw your turkey completely. Ice on the bird will cause the oil to splatter.
• Don’t overfill the pot with oil. If you do, the oil will overflow when you add the turkey causing a fire hazard.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the fryer.
• Also, always use the fryer outdoors.

Stuffing and Potatoes:

Stand by your stove when you are boiling your potatoes or frying onions for stuffing. It is best to stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling or broiling. If you are in the kitchen, it is easier to catch spills or hazardous conditions before they become a fire.

Vegetables:

• Keep the area around the stove clear of packaging, paper towels, and dish cloths; anything that can burn.
• Be sure to clean up any spills as they happen.
• Be prepared. Keep a large pan lid or baking sheet handy in case you need to smother a pan fire.
• Turn pot handles towards the back of the stove so you don’t bump them.

Follow these tips to keep your home fire-free on Thanksgiving.

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